B Mirror Report:  The late former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia made an unparalleled contribution to the development of the private sector and a market-based economy in Bangladesh, said Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) Chairman Mominul Islam.

He said the strong foundation for the rapid expansion of the private sector, which began in 1991, was laid during Begum Zia’s tenure.

Mominul Islam made the remarks on Thursday (January 8) afternoon at a memorial meeting and prayer programme organised by the DSE and the DSE Brokers Association (DBA) at the DSE Multipurpose Hall.

In his speech, the DSE chairman also noted that Begum Khaleda Zia played a crucial role in establishing discipline and an institutional framework in the capital market and the country’s financial sector. He said the true contributions of a great leader become more evident after their passing, adding that the spontaneous participation of hundreds of thousands of people from across the country in her funeral reflected the deep respect and affection she commanded among the masses.

DSE Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar praised Begum Zia’s visionary leadership, noting that the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) was established in 1993 during her government, which continues to serve as the institutional backbone of the country’s capital market. She also recalled that in 1994, Begum Zia set a lasting example by honouring the top 10 listed companies with state awards, recognising the corporate and industrial sectors.

DBA President Saiful Islam described Begum Khaleda Zia as a politician guided by humanitarian values and democratic principles. He said that by opening the country’s capital market to foreign investors in 1991, she ushered in a new era for the sector. Despite political adversity over the past 15 years, her uncompromising stance in the interest of the country and its people would remain a source of inspiration for future generations, he added.

The memorial meeting was attended by key capital market stakeholders, including BSEC Chairman Khondkar Rashed Maqsood, Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) Chairman Professor Habibur Rahman, and BPALC President Riad Mahmud. Speakers unanimously agreed that Begum Khaleda Zia was not only a political leader but also became an integral part of Bangladesh’s social and economic framework.

The programme concluded with a special prayer seeking forgiveness for the departed soul and expressing deep condolences to her family members.